The New York Giants have dismissed head coach Brian Daboll following a disappointing 2-8 record halfway through his fourth season. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been appointed as the interim head coach. The decision to remove Daboll came after the team’s recent loss to the Chicago Bears, where they squandered a late lead.
In a statement, team owners John Mara and Steve Tisch expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance under Daboll’s leadership, citing the need for a change to improve the franchise’s direction. General manager Joe Schoen will lead the search for a new head coach while retaining his current position.
Despite Daboll’s departure, the rest of his coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, will remain with the team. The Giants have struggled in recent games, losing four consecutive matches since their victory against the Philadelphia Eagles last month.
This marks only the third midseason coaching change in the Giants’ history over the past 95 years. Daboll, who achieved a 20-40-1 record during his tenure, led the team to the playoffs in his first season but has since struggled to maintain success.
With a winning percentage ranking him low among coaches with 50 or more games post-1970 AFL-NFL merger, Daboll becomes the second coach to be fired this season, following Brian Callahan from the Tennessee Titans. Despite his dismissal, Daboll’s experience suggests he may secure a coaching position in the NFL next season.
Kafka, the newly appointed interim head coach, steps into his role amidst a challenging season for the Giants, marked by injuries to key players like Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers. Schoen, who received a vote of confidence from team ownership, remains optimistic about the team’s young talent nucleus and its potential for future success.
In response to Daboll’s departure, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised Daboll’s coaching abilities but confirmed that a return to Buffalo is not currently being considered. McDermott expressed regret over Daboll’s situation and acknowledged his coaching prowess in the league.